Danny DeVito cameras rolling on Always Sunny season 18, Frank Reynolds returns

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Cameras Rolling on the Longest-Running Live Comedy Series
• Danny DeVito Returns as Frank Reynolds, the Heart of the Gang
• Season 18 Production Timeline and What’s Next
• The Complete Cast Reunites for One of Television’s Most Beloved Ensembles
• Will Season 18 Be the Final Chapter of the Gang’s Story?
  • Sources

Danny DeVito is back on the set of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Production on season 18 is officially underway, with cameras rolling and the full gang returning. Frank Reynolds is here to stay.

Cameras Rolling on the Longest-Running Live Comedy Series

The Gang is officially back. FX confirmed in mid-February that It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has entered active production on its 18th season. Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day announced the news via social media, declaring: ‘We’re right in the middle of the action.’ The Philadelphia-based comedy series, which premiered in 2005, continues its reign as the longest-running live-action comedy on American television.

The show’s creator and star McElhenney has led the charge alongside executive producers Day and Glenn Howerton. Together, they’ve built a comedy empire centered on Paddy’s Pub, the fictional dive bar where chaos erupts every episode.

Danny DeVito Returns as Frank Reynolds, the Heart of the Gang

Danny DeVito‘s return to the franchise marks two decades of portraying Frank Reynolds, the eccentric father figure and moral anchor of the gang. In interviews, DeVito confirmed he would join production ‘at the end of January 2026‘, describing the experience as ‘something you look forward to.’ His presence elevates every storyline, whether he’s scheming with the crew or delivering gut-wrenching emotional moments.

The legendary actor has been candid about the show’s future, noting that season 18 could potentially be the last chapter. Yet his commitment to returning demonstrates the deep bonds formed over two decades of collaboration with the ensemble cast.

Season 18 Production Timeline and What’s Next

Detail	Information
Filming Status	Actively in production as of April 2026
Network	FXX (with day-after episodes on Hulu)
Expected Release	Fall 2026
Episode Count	TBA

According to industry patterns, filming cycles typically wrap within 6-8 weeks for recent seasons. If that timeline holds, production could wrap by early to mid-April. The network aired season 17 in July 2025, suggesting a similar summer or autumn 2026 premiere window for the new season.

“It’s something that you look forward to because you love what you do, and you’re with your favorite people. It doesn’t feel like work.”

— Danny DeVito, on returning to Always Sunny production

The Complete Cast Reunites for One of Television’s Most Beloved Ensembles

Beyond DeVito, the reunion includes Kaitlin Olson as Dee Reynolds, Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds, Rob McElhenney as Mac, and Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly. Set photos from February confirmed all five principals were present on set. The chemistry between this ensemble remains unmatched in comedy television, with two decades of shared history informing every scene, joke, and dramatic beat.

Kaitlin Olson continues her role as the often-maligned Dee, while Howerton‘s Dennis provides the show’s darkest comedic edges. McElhenney’s Mac cycles through fitness obsessions and delusional self-improvement schemes, while Day’s Charlie remains the show’s funniest wildcard.

Will Season 18 Be the Final Chapter of the Gang’s Story?

Speculation swirls about whether season 18 marks the end of the road for It’s Always Sunny. The show is hitting year 21 of production, an unprecedented achievement for live-action comedy. DeVito has hinted that the creators may be discussing series finales and narrative closure. The cast remains contracted through season 18, though renewal negotiations are always possible in television.

Regardless of what comes next, season 18 promises to deliver the irreverent humor, sharp satirical commentary, and chaotic schemes fans have loved for 21 years. The Gang will return, Frank will scheme, and Philadelphia’s worst people will somehow find new ways to destroy their own lives while making audiences laugh.

Sources

• Deadline – Coverage of filming announcements and cast confirmations
• The Hollywood Reporter – Danny DeVito interviews on season 18 production details
• TV Insider – Timeline and release date speculation for season 18